Other panels will cover the topics of data privacy and security, and spectrum. Representatives from institutions such as the Georgetown Law Center on Privacty and Technology, the National Hispanic Media Coalition, and ALEC will also be attending; expect a spirited event. It’s a half-day filled with policy, described by Next Century Cities as:

[B]ringing together members of Congress, community leaders, and policy experts. Keynote conversations and panel discussions will work to determine key policy goals and action steps for the new Congress, with a specific focus on rural broadband, digital privacy and security, and spectrum legislation.

You can watch the livestream here and follow the conversation on Twitter: #BipartisanTech

Toolkit on the Way

As long as you’re scheduling livestreams, make sure to also put January 16th on your list.

For months the folks at Next Century Cities have been working with member cities and policy experts to develop a resource that includes policies and best practices for local communities interested in better connectivity. On January 16th, NCC will hold an official launch event for “Becoming Broadband Ready,” to share their findings.

The toolkit will include policies to help identify needs and goals, grow support, simplify permitting and leasing practices, and additional resources. Check out the launch event on Wednesday, January 16th at 12 p.m. EST to see policy experts and community leaders discuss their findings and experiences with broadband readiness.

Christopher will also be moderating a panel at the toolkit launch event. Watch here:

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Random Quote

Jim Baller, an attorney and well-known advocate for municipal broadband, likes to bring out an old copy of "Moody's Magazine and American Investments" from 1906 with such articles as "Municipal Ownership a Delusion" and "Municipal Ownership Always a Failure" about public power systems. He then cites a number of municipal systems that have the lowest costs in the country...